Kurti party leads kosovo vote

Supporters of Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party celebrated in Pristina after preliminary results showed his Self-Determination Movement leading with about 49.3% of the vote as counting neared completion, raising hopes of ending a year-long political deadlock that has paralyzed the assembly and stalled international funding. Kurti said he would move quickly to have results certified by the Central Election Commission, constitute the 10th legislature and form a new government without delay, urging opposition lawmakers to back international loan agreements that need a two-thirds majority.

Analysts note Kurti still faces uncertainty: translating the vote share into an outright majority would require 61 seats in the 120-seat assembly, an outcome considered unlikely without coalition partners. This was Kosovo’s second parliamentary election of the year after Kurti’s party fell short in February; months of failed coalition talks prompted President Vjosa Osmani to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections. Opposition parties have largely refused to govern with Kurti, criticizing his handling of relations with Western allies and his policies toward Kosovo’s ethnically divided north, where Serb minority resistance has been a persistent challenge.

Tensions with Serbia escalated in 2023, leading the European Union to impose sanctions on Kosovo — measures that Kyiv says have cost the country hundreds of millions of euros — though the bloc has indicated it will lift restrictions following the election of ethnic Serb mayors in the north. Kurti framed a quick government formation as essential to restore stability, reassure investors and partners, and advance priorities such as economic development, anti-corruption reforms and social-program expansion. He emphasized that any talks with Serbia must rest on mutual recognition and respect.

Opposition reactions were mixed: some signaled cautious openness to negotiations, while others vowed to remain in opposition and continue scrutinizing coalition talks. Final seat allocations remain pending as outstanding ballots, including diaspora votes, are counted. With domestic economic pressures and sensitive regional dynamics at stake, the coming weeks will determine whether Kurti can convert his electoral lead into a durable governing majority or whether fragile coalition bargaining will prolong political uncertainty.